MEMBERS of the Yavusa Tububere of Viseisei Village prepared the chiefly burial grounds (sautabu) of Naburenivalu yesterday for the late Tui Vuda, Ratu Eparama Kitione Tavaiqia.
Led by the Taukei Sawaieke, Iliesa Cebaivalu Namuira, the clan worked alongside members of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces during a dress rehearsal ahead of the late Tui Vuda being accorded a limited military funeral.
“It is the duty of the Yavusa Tububere to look after and care for the body of the late Tui Vuda, Ratu Eparama Kitione Tavaiqia,” Mr Namuira said.
“The Yavusa Tububere and the wider vanua of Vuda are carrying out this work in service to the late Tui Vuda.
“It is the responsibility of the Yavusa Tububere to look after his body at the traditional sacred burial grounds (sautabu) of Vuda.
“From the day we received the news, we have not taken this duty lightly.
“These final preparations are being made so we are ready for the remaining duties to be performed tomorrow and on Wednesday.”
Yesterday, groups from the wider community of Ba province, including the Ba Provincial Council, Fiji Sugar Corporation and Vio Island, presented their ireguregu to the Yavusa Nakelo and kingmakers.
Delegations from Government, civil society and political parties are expected to pay their final respects at Viseisei Village later today.
